“It’s his writing,” Annie said, fear in her voice.
Julian frowned as his fingers touched something solid enclosed within the folds. “You’re sure?”
“Positive. We exchanged many letters over the years.”
“That damn scoundrel,” Hattie muttered.
“Will you open it, Julian?” Annie asked. “I dare not.”
“Of course. And I must ask that we all stay calm.” Julian smiled at Annie as he opened the paper, catching the enclosed object in his palm as it slid free.
It was a wedding band. A small, gold wedding band. Annie gasped softly.
Julian kept his expression quiet as he opened the paper fully and read what was written. Five words only. Yet they chilled his blood and lit a flame of fury in his gut.
It should have been me.
Barnes approached. “You wanted to see me, Mr. Northcott?”
Julian tore his gaze from the paper and managed a smile. “Yes, Barnes. This note. Who delivered it?”
“He didn’t give his name, sir. Just asked that the letter be given to Miss… er, that is, your lady wife.” Barnes gave Annie a quick smile. “Is there a problem?”
Julian feigned nonchalance. “No, no, I don’t think so. We’re just curious to know who delivered it. Can you describe the fellow?”
“I can, sir.” The man frowned. “Tall, blond hair. Well spoken. Of reasonable appearance, I suppose. Perhaps a little rough. A scar on his left cheek, which looked to be recent.”
Janet cleared her throat and dropped her gaze to the floor.
“That’s very helpful, Barnes, thank you. That’ll be all.” Julian pocketed the ring and turned to Annie. “Listen to me, Annie, I swear there’s nothing to fear. De Witte is toying with you. Toying withus. Do not let him ruin this day.”
“I won’t,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m more angry than fearful, Julian. I’m tired of his interference. Ihatewhat he’s done. What he’s trying to do.” She looked to where Aldous stood with the two police officers. “If they’re going to catch him, they’d better get going.”
Julian chuckled and bent to kiss her mouth. “I love you, Mrs. Northcott.”
He hurried over to where his father stood with Taggart and Lloyd. “De Witte is here,” he said quietly. “Come with me, both of you. I want to keep things quiet if possible. Unobtrusive.”
“Wait, what?” Taggart cast a glance around the room. “What do you mean, he’s here? How do you—?”
“Keep your bloody voice down, man.” Julian gritted his teeth. “Just follow me and look as though you’re enjoying yourselves.”
He led them and his father into the hallway where he explained the situation.
“The arrogance of the fellow,” Aldous said, shaking his head. “It beggars belief.”
“We’ll catch him, Captain, I guarantee it,” Taggart said, patting his hat onto his head as he opened the front door. “He’s on foot and not long gone. We’ll be on horseback.”
“Well, if you catch him quickly enough, I’d be obliged if you’d bring him back here for a visit.” Julian shrugged. “I’ve never met the fellow and I’d like an opportunity to introduce myself before I leave on my honeymoon.”
Taggart grinned. “Understood, sir. Where would we hold him?”
“There’s an unused room in the gatehouse,” Julian replied. “It has no window and a door that bolts from the outside. Put him in there.”
The man gave a nod and opened the door. “Right Lloyd, let’s go catch a rat.”
As the door closed, Aldous gave Julian a slow smile. “Gloves off, son?”
Julian tutted. “I’m a gentleman, Papa.”
